Apparatus for strapping items with tension bands

ABSTRACT

The strapping installation is configured to strap items with bands, in particular to strap pulp bales with paper bands. An assembly conveys the tensioning bands around the items to be strapped, and the bands are then tensioned and connected to form a closed ring. The conveying assembly is form by a drawing configuration, such as a belt or the like, which encloses the respective item and is designed with a carry-along element for a band. The drawing configuration is assigned a drive with which the carry-along element, together with the forward end of the tensioning band can be moved around the item.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1 . Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for strapping items by means of tensioning bands, in particular for strapping pulp bales with paper bands. The apparatus is equipped with configurations for conveying the tensioning bands around the items, and for tensioning the bands and for connecting the tensioned bands enclosing the items.

[0003] Such an apparatus, which is known, for example from U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,180, has a guide channel which fully encloses the respective item and through which a tensioning band is pushed. As a result, the band is thus guided around the item, whereupon it is then tensioned. The guide channel is designed, on the side which is directed toward the item, with swing-action elements which open as soon as the band is tensioned. The tensioning band thus passes into abutment against the item and can then be joined together by gluing the overlapping segment.

[0004] The prior art apparatus, however, is disadvantageous in that the tensioning band—due to the fact that it must be pushed through the guide channel—has to have a high level of rigidity. In addition, in particular on account of the swing-action elements, the guide channel constitutes a component which is of complex design and in which, in addition, functioning may be disrupted since the band can jam in the channel or become stuck on the swing-action elements as the latter are opened.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a device for tying bulk goods with tensioning straps, which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type.

[0006] With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, an installation for strapping items, in particular for strapping pulp bales with paper bands. The installation comprises:

[0007] a conveying assembly for conveying a tensioning band around an item to be strapped, the conveying assembly having a drawing configuration and a carry-along element for a tensioning band mounted thereto, and having a drive connected to the drawing configuration for moving the carry-along element around the item; and

[0008] a tensioning and connecting device for tensioning the band and for connecting the tensioned band enclosing the item.

[0009] In other words, the objects of the invention are achieved in that the conveying assembly is formed by a drawing configuration, e.g. a belt, which encloses the respective item, is designed with a carry-along element and is assigned a drive system by means of which the carry-along element can be moved around the item.

[0010] Since the tensioning band is drawn around the item, it may have a lower level of rigidity than if it is pushed through a guide channel. In addition, disruptions to functioning are, to the greatest extent, avoided. Furthermore, it is possible for the tensioning band to be guided around the item with a small spacing therefrom, as a result of which the operation of bracing it requires lower outlay than in the case in the known apparatus. This additionally rules out twisting of the band during the tensioning operation.

[0011] The drawing configuration is advantageously guided over a plurality of, in particular four, deflecting rollers. At least one of the deflecting rollers is assigned a drive. In this case, the drawing configuration is designed, in particular, as a toothed belt.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the carry-along element has two clamping jaws which-can-be-adjusted in relation to one another, are located laterally outside the belt, in the movement direction of the latter, and between which the tensioning band can be clamped. It is possible here for the two clamping jaws to be subjected to the action of a spring, by means of which they are kept in their closed position, and it is possible for the carry-along element to be assigned an actuating arrangement by means of which the clamping jaws can be adjusted into their open position, as a result of which a band can be introduced between them. The carry-along element is preferably designed with two clamping jaws, a first clamping jaw is fastened on the belt or the like and the second clamping jaw can be adjusted in relation to the first clamping jaw. It is possible here for the first clamping jaw to be provided with a through-passage through which a bolt or the like projecting from the second clamping jaw passes, the actuating spring enclosing the bolt or the like, and this also being assigned the actuating arrangement. Furthermore, the carry-along element is preferably assigned a channel through which the tensioning band can be pushed toward the carry-along element, there being provided for the tensioning band a clamping device by means of which the tensioning band can be displaced in relation to the conveying channel.

[0013] According to further preferred features, the installation also contains a tensioning assembly for the band, an adhesive-bonding device for the band, a pressing device for the band and a cutting device. It is possible here for the clamping device and the adhesive-bonding device to be arranged on a carriage which can be displaced counter to the advancement direction of the tensioning band for strapping the item, and for the first clamping device to be assigned a second, fixed clamping device.

[0014] Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

[0015] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in an apparatus for strapping items by means of bands, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

[0016] The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is an axonometric illustration of an installation for strapping items by means of tensioning bands with an apparatus for applying and tensioning the bands;

[0018]FIG. 2 is an elevational end view of the apparatus according to the invention;

[0019]FIG. 2a is a side elevational view of the apparatus for applying and tensioning the bands;

[0020] FIGS. 3 to 6 are end views of the apparatus according to FIGS. 2 and 2a in four different operating positions;

[0021]FIGS. 7 and 7a are detail view of the apparatus in a side view, partly in section, and in elevation;

[0022] FIGS. 8 to 10 are elevational views of a constituent part of the apparatus in three successive operating positions;

[0023]FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 are elevational views of further constituent parts of the apparatus, in elevation and in different operating positions; and

[0024]FIGS. 11a and 13 a are side views of the further constituent parts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and first, particularly, to FIG. 1 thereof, the installation illustrated in FIG. 1 for strapping items 10 by means of tensioning bands 20 has an apparatus 1 for applying the tensioning bands 20 around items 10 and a conveying apparatus, e.g. a roller conveyor 1 a, by means of which the items 10 are fed to the apparatus 1.

[0026] With reference to FIG. 2, the apparatus 1 has a rectangular carrying framework 11, at the four corners of which there are mounted deflecting rollers 12, 12 a, a drawing configuration in the form of a toothed belt 2 being positioned around the deflecting rollers. The deflecting roller 12 a is assigned a drive 13. A carry-along element or sled 3 for a tensioning band is arranged on the belt 2. The carry-along element 3 is actuated by a control device 4. The drive 13 rotates the deflecting roller 12 a, as a result of which the belt 2 is moved and the carry-along element 3 is guided, in the direction of the arrow A, around the item 10 that is to be strapped.

[0027] With further reference to FIG. 2a, the deflecting and drive roller 12 a is coupled for carry-along action with the drive 13 via a belt 13 a. It can also be seen that the carry-along element 3 is designed with two clamping jaws 31 and 32 that project laterally from the conveying belt 2 and are assigned the control device 4. As soon as the two clamping jaws 31 and 32 are located in their open position, the front end of a tensioning band can be introduced between them, the tensioning band then being guided around the item 10, as is explained hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0028] As can further be seen from FIGS. 3 to 6, the apparatus 1 is assigned a band store 20 a from which a tensioning band 20 is drawn off by a conveying and tensioning assembly 5 and moved in the direction of the carry-along element 3. Also provided are an adhesive-bonding device 6, a pressing device 7, and a cutting devicet 8, the design and functioning of which are explained hereinbelow.

[0029] As is illustrated schematically in FIGS. 4 to 6, the tensioning band 20 is guided around the item 10 by means of the carry-along element 3 until it encloses the item to the full extent and butts loosely against the same. It is then tensioned around the item 10 and joined together by adhesive bonding. Thereafter, the item 10 is transported further.

[0030] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 7a, the carry-along element 3 is designed with a carrying plate 30, which is fastened on the conveying belt 2 by means of a clamping plate 21 and bolts 22. The first clamping jaw 31 is fastened rigidly on the carrying plate 30. In contrast, the second clamping jaw 32 is fastened on a push rod 33, which passes through a bore 34 of the carrying plate 30 and is subjected to the action of a compression spring 35. The push rod 33 is assigned a push rod 41 of the opening arrangement 4. As soon as the push rod 41 is adjusted upward, the second clamping jaw 32 is lifted off from the first clamping jaw 31 counter to the action of the compression spring 35, as a result of which the front end of the tensioning band 20 can be pushed in between the two clamping jaws 31 and 32. Once the push rod 41 is restored, the tensioning band 20 is retained between the two clamping jaws 31 and 32, as a result of which it can be guided around the item 10 by the carry-along element 3.

[0031] FIGS. 8 to 13 will be used hereinbelow to explain the construction and the functioning of the conveying and tensioning assembly 5 for the tensioning band 20, of the adhesive-bonding device 6, of the pressing device 7, and of the cutting device 8.

[0032] With reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, the conveying and tensioning assembly 5 has a conveying channel 51, 51 a for the tensioning band 20. It is possible for the part 51 a to be pivoted by means of an actuating cylinder 52. The conveying and tensioning assembly 5 also has a further actuating cylinder 53 and a first clamping device 54, which can be displaced in relation to the conveying channel 51 by means of the actuating cylinder 53. In order to introduce the tensioning band 20 between the clamping jaws 31 and 32 opened by means of the control device 4, the clamping device 54 is set in operation and displaced in the direction of the arrow B by means of the actuating cylinder 53, as a result of which the free end of the tensioning band 20 is pushed in between the clamping jaws 31 and 32 through the conveying channel 51 and through the part 51 a. The carry-along element 3 is then moved around the item 10 to the full extent by means of the conveying belt 2. Thereafter, the movable part of the conveying channel 51 a is pivoted away from the carry-along element 3 in the direction of the arrow C by means of the actuating cylinder 52.

[0033] With reference to FIG. 11, thereafter, the front end of the tensioning band 20 is secured by means of the carry-along element 3, the first clamping device 54 is closed and the actuating cylinder 53 is activated such that the tensioning band 20 is drawn back in the direction of the arrow D by means of the first clamping device 54. The tensioning band 20 is then tensioned around the item 10. As can further be seen from FIG. 11, the conveying and tensioning assembly 5 as well as the adhesive-bonding device 6 are borne by a carriage 50, which can likewise be displaced in the direction of the arrow D by means of a drive 50 a. As can be seen from FIG. 11a, the adhesive-bonding device 6, which is designed with an adhesive-bonding nozzle 61, can be pushed in beneath the tensioned band 20, guided around the item 10, from one side, in the direction of the arrow E, by means of an actuating cylinder 62. It can be further be seen from FIG. 11a that the conveying channel 51 is formed by two rails which contain grooves and between which the first clamping device 54 and a second clamping device 55 for the band 20 come to act on the latter.

[0034] Then, as is illustrated in FIG. 12, the first clamping device 54 is opened, the second clamping device 55 is activated and the carriage 50 is displaced in the direction of the arrow D. During the displacement operation, adhesive is applied, by the adhesive-bonding nozzle 61, to that end of the tensioning band 20 which is guided around the item 10. A displacement of the carriage 50 in the direction of the arrow D causes the ends of the tensioning band 20 to overlap, with the adhesive between them.

[0035] As can also be seen from FIG. 13, a pressing device 7 and a cutting device 8 are also provided. By means of the pressing device 7, those sections of the tensioning band 20 which are located one upon the other, i.e., in the overlapping segment, are pressed together. As can be seen from FIG. 13a, the pressing device 7 has a framework 70, on which a pressing cylinder 71 with a piston 72 is mounted in a pivotable manner. A pressing plate 73 is articulated on the piston 72. The pressing plate 73 is assigned a mating plate 74, which is located between the item 10 and the two sections 20 a, 20 b of the tensioning band 20. As soon as the piston 72 is adjusted by means of the pressing cylinder 71, the pressing plate 73 is adjusted in the direction of the mating plate 74, as a result of which the two sections 20 a, 20 b of the tensioning band 20, between which adhesive is located, are pressed.

[0036] Following completion of the pressing operation, the cutting device 8, which is arranged at the end of the conveying channel 51 a, is set in operation, as a result of which the tensioning band 20 is cut off. Thereafter, the item 10 is moved laterally, as a result of which the tensioning band 20 is released from the pressing plate 73 and the mating plate 74, and the item is transported away by the roller conveyor 1 a. It is then possible to strap a further item 10 fed by means of the roller conveyor 1 a.

[0037] Such an apparatus is used for strapping any desired item. A preferred application is the operation of strapping pulp bales. 

We claim:
 1. An installation for strapping items, comprising: a conveying assembly for conveying a tensioning band around an item to be strapped, said conveying assembly having a drawing configuration and a carry-along element for a tensioning band mounted thereto, and having a drive connected to said drawing configuration for moving said carry-along element around the item; and a tensioning and connecting device for tensioning the band and for connecting the tensioned band enclosing the item.
 2. The strapping installation according to claim 1, wherein said drawing configuration is formed with a belt encompassing the item to be strapped and carrying said carry-along element for slaving the band around the item.
 3. The strapping installation according to claim 1, wherein the item to be strapped is a pulp bale, and said tensioning band is a paper band to be strapped onto the pulp bale.
 4. The strapping installation according to claim 1, which comprises a plurality of deflecting rollers about which said drawing configuration is guided, and wherein at least one of the deflecting rollers is a driven roller.
 5. The strapping installation according to claim 1, wherein said drawing configuration is a toothed belt.
 6. The strapping installation according to claim 1, wherein said carry-along element has two clamping jaws that are adjustable relative to one another, said clamping jaws are disposed laterally outside said drawing configuration in a direction of movement thereof, and said clamping jaws are configured to clamp said tensioning band therebetween.
 7. The strapping installation according to claim 6, which comprises a spring disposed to act on said two clamping jaws to hold said clamping jaws in a closed position, and an actuating device assigned to said carry-along element for adjusting said clamping jaws into an open position in which said tensioning band may be introduced therebetween.
 8. The strapping installation according to claim 1, wherein said carry-along element includes a first clamping jaw fastened to said drawing configuration and a second clamping jaw that is adjusted relative to said first clamping jaw.
 9. The strapping installation according to patent claim 8, wherein said first clamping jaw is formed with a through-passage adapted to receive a bolt projecting from said second clamping jaw, an actuating spring encloses the bolt, and an actuating device assigned to said bolt for adjusting said clamping jaws into an open position.
 10. The strapping installation according to claim 1, which comprises a channel assigned to said carry-along element and through which said tensioning band can be pushed toward said carry-along element, and a clamping device for displacing said tensioning band relative to said conveying channel.
 11. The strapping installation according to claim 1, wherein said tensioning and connecting device includes a tensioning assembly for said tensioning band, an adhesive-bonding device for said tensioning band, a pressing device for said tensioning band, and a cutting device.
 12. The strapping installation according to claim 11, which comprises a channel assigned to said carry-along element and through which said tensioning band can be pushed toward said carry-along element, and a first clamping device for displacing said tensioning band relative to said conveying channel.
 13. The strapping installation according to claim 12, which comprises a carriage carrying said clamping device and said adhesive-bonding device, and said carriage is displaceably mounted counter to an advancement direction of said tensioning band for strapping the item, and which further comprises a second, fixed clamping device assigned to said first clamping device. 